Horticulture Volunteer Positions

Main Zoo Gardening

Volunteer gardeners at Lincoln Park Zoo make a positive, immediate, and restorative contribution to the main zoo landscape each day as they roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. By grooming, transplanting, and all their dedicated tending efforts, they find they have cultivated more than a beautiful garden. Volunteers also share their enthusiasm, enjoy easy camaraderie, and graciously inspire zoo guests - helping everyone connect to nature. Seasonal position from May-October.

All applicants must meet the following requirements.

Must be 18 years or older.

Have a positive attitude and strictly adhere to Lincoln Park Zoo policies, procedures and guest service standards.

Must be comfortable being outdoors in all weather conditions.

Complete an online application.

Complete and pass a standard criminal background check.

Attend and complete zoo orientation.

Commit to volunteering once a week from May through October. The shift time is 8:45 a.m.–noon.

Nature Boardwalk Gardening

Volunteer gardeners at Lincoln Park Zoo make a positive, immediate, and restorative contribution to the Nature Boardwalk landscape each day as they roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. By grooming, transplanting, and all their dedicated tending efforts, they find they have cultivated more than a beautiful garden. Volunteers also share their enthusiasm, enjoy easy camaraderie, and graciously inspire zoo guests - helping everyone connect to nature. Seasonal position from mid-April-October.

All applicants must meet the following requirements.

Must be 18 years or older.

Have a positive attitude and strictly adhere to Lincoln Park Zoo policies, procedures and guest-service standards.

Must be comfortable being outdoors in all weather conditions.

Complete an online application.

Complete and pass a standard criminal background check.

Attend and complete zoo orientation.

Commit to volunteering once a week from mid-April through October. The shift time is 7:45–11 a.m.

Edible Garden Volunteer

Volunteers help cultivate The Edible Gardens, a 5,000-square-foot organic vegetable garden located in the Farm-in-the-Zoo. Volunteers assist the experienced garden staff. This is an educational/teaching garden that focuses on giving children the opportunity to help grow food. If you like to educate while gardening, this is the position for you! Seasonal position from mid-April-October.

All applicants must meet the following requirements.

Must be 18 years or older.

Have a positive attitude and adhere to Lincoln Park Zoo policies, procedures and guest-service standards.

Must be comfortable being outdoors in all weather conditions.

Must be able to stand, sit, bend, kneel and walk on uneven terrain

Complete an online application.

Successfully complete an interview and brief presentation with the Volunteer Services Department.

Complete and pass a standard criminal background check.

Attend and complete zoo orientation.

Commit to volunteering once a week from mid-April through October. The shift time is 9:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.